How to Reset HP 74 Ink Cartridges

Resetting an HP 74 Ink cartridge is a good idea if you experience a malfunction or other problems with printing or cartridges that you have not been able to resolve in any other way. There is a way of resetting the device, called a soft reset, which will help in resolving malfunctions having to do with cartridges and paper. This reset can be done in a few simple steps.

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Reset the HP 74 to resolve ink cartridge errors.

Soft Reset

Step

Disconnect any USB cables and remove any memory cards from the printer.

Step

Restart the computer.

Step

Open up the printer, unlock the ink cartridge locking clips and remove the cartridges.

Step

Re-lock the empty ink cartridge locking clips and close the printer.

Step

Turn off the printer with the "Power" button and wait for the printer to shut down completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step

Disconnect the printer's AC adapter from the printer and from the wall outlet or power bar. Wait 40 seconds before proceeding to next step.

Step

Reconnect the AC adapter into the wall outlet and into the printer and wait for the missing ink cartridge error to verify that the printer recognizes that the cartridge is missing.

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Re-insert one ink cartridge only and print a test page.

Step

If no errors are found, insert the other ink cartridge and ensure that it is working by printing another test page. If an error occurs due to a defective cartridge, perform the appropriate steps for print cartridge errors listed in the Resources.

Step

Reconnect the USB cable to the computer and to the printer. Test for printer functionality.